Springbok Women dominate Uganda in 2025 Rugby Africa Women's Cup opener
The Springbok Women got their 2025 Rugby Africa Women's Cup opener against Uganda in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Saturday off to a flyer with a comprehensive 62-7 victory over the Lady Cranes that featured several try-scoring debuts.
Lock Anathi Qolo captained the South African side that boasted a combined 174 caps.
And despite being expected to dominate the scrum with their powerful pack, the Ugandans more than held their own in that aspect of play. The swirling wind made line-out throw-ins and clearance kicks difficult for both teams, though.
The power of the SA pack was soon on display in the loose, however. Prop Xoliswa Khuzwayo and flank Lerato Makua were prominent, with strong, tackle-busting runs in midfield as the Bok Women kept the ball tight in the early exchanges.
It was a tactic that seemed to catch the Lady Cranes off guard as they scrambled on defence in the face of mismatches.
Qolo marked her debut as skipper with a fine opening try that was the result of sustained pressure on the Uganda tryline and quick ball through the hands, dotting down under the posts.
Springbok Women's flyhalf Mary Zulu added the conversion (7-0).
Uganda were struggling to cope with the rush defence from the Springboks, who dominated the battle for territory and possession, as expected.
Bok Women's fullback Byrhandrѐ Dolf was growing in influence as the half wore on. She showed great hands to set up winger Simamkhele Namba on the right wing to score in the corner (12-0). Zulu missed the conversion.
The Lady Cranes were forced increasingly onto the back foot. No 8 Faith Tshauke also opened her account on debut after a rolling maul off a line-out was briefly repelled by Uganda.
Uganda showed the intent to give the ball air on occasion, finding room out wide. But the Boks were in uncompromising mood on defence as they snuffed out any potential danger.
The Boks showed slick hands of their own, with the ball eventually ending up in Dolf's hands as they attacked at pace. The skillful fullback sidestepped a few tackles before making the score 22-0. Zulu landed the conversion this time, to extend the lead (24-0).
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